Music Lovers Speaker vs. Audiophile Speaker


In my quest for a new set of speakers to replace the Paradigm 5se I've had for 25+ years I've come across a couple of terms I'd like clarified: the musical speaker and the audiophile speaker.

What's the difference? 

I can think of two analogies, both of which may be way off mark.

One is the "mp3" analogy. mp3's dumb down the music, but capture what a music lover may consider to be the important stuff. The audiophile version is the CD.

So in this case, the musical speaker doesn't perform as well as the audiophile speaker, but it is at the right price point or has other features (particularly finish) that the listener desires.

The other analogy is the "radio station" analogy. The station doesn't dumb down the music, but it does intentionally change the sound to suit the audience. Classic rock is bass heavy, and dynamic range may be compressed to raise the overall level. An easy-listening station will have a lighter sound with different frequencies emphasized.

Comments ...
128x128jimspov

Showing 3 responses by 213runnin

Interesting topic. I would have disagreed with the premise a couple of months ago, thinking that the audiophile approach has the same goal in mind.

But I’ve recently had my audiophile bookshelf speakers bested by a small bookshelf that retailed for about $600. I was floored, and realized that this little speaker has a real synergy from left to right that makes magic with music. The audiophile speakers have ribbon tweeters and have a precision and exactness that can’t be denied, but I prefer the little concentric drivers of the Tannoys and the music just sounds more ’live’.

Both with the 250 wpc amp, and the Nad integrated with 50 wpc, the Tannoys make you want to sit and listen to the music, not the system.  I previously had Paradigm speakers from the Signature line as well as the monitor line.  I think they basically had the same house sound, which was more of a monitor's characteristics.  

Maybe it's just that I don't care for the monitor type sound, I find it too lifeless and boring.


Coli, I guess that explains a lot!  I really prefer sound, or music first.  I've installed Pioneer speakers in my car, and I think they are of the 'audiophile' type.  They sound great too.  
Sorry RBrowne, I just saw your post.  The Tannoys in question are the Revolution DC4.  They've since been upgraded to the Revolution XT Mini.  I'd like to eventually get a tower from Tannoy, and the XT line looks like the sweet spot.